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Man accused of stealing from homes caused crash that killed young mother, police say

CONOVER, N.C. — A man accused of speeding away from an attempted burglary near Conover caused a crash that killed a young mother, investigators said.

Rory Hinson is charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, misdemeanor larceny and death by motor vehicle. Prosecutors said Hinson was driving when the head-on crash occurred this weekend.

Kristen Lawson, who was the mother of a 7-year-old, died in the crash.

Investigators said Hinson tried to steal items from homes in a neighborhood about a mile away from the crash.

A homeowner told police she tried to stop Hinson after he went to a second neighbor’s home and stole rocking chairs. She said she called 911, but Hinson sped off.

The deadly crash happened on Keisler Daily Road.

It is difficult for Wanda Lail to talk about what happened.

"She's not coming home," Lail said.

A small, white cross marks the spot where Lawson died.

"She loved her daughter, her momma and all of her friends, and it is wrong that she is gone," Lail said.

Hinson crossed the center line and sideswiped one vehicle before slamming into Lawson's car, officials said.

Hours earlier, Lawson’s daughter had just turned seven on the same day as her mother's wreck.

"He's already destroyed so many lives," Lail said.

The district attorney said the Highway Patrol's investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible.

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